25 



resources a class, which, in the benefits it confers upon the 

 arts, and through the arts again upon man, stands almost 

 alone the noble offspring, not of the arts, not of other sciences, 

 not of nature even, but purely of the human intellect. With- 

 out the mathematics, there were no mechanical or engineering 

 science, and hence, but a limited practice ; no astronomy, 

 spherical or physical, and consequently, no navigation and no 

 foreign commerce. They underlie, in fact, directly or indi- 

 rectly, the whole structure of modern civilization ; constituting 

 the basis of no small portion of that knowledge and power 

 which make man what he is, and enable him, in so wonderful 

 a degree, to control and utilize the forces around him. No 

 one, who would be a master in any department of the 

 industrial arts, particularly the mechanic arts, can be too 

 thoroughly versed in the mathematics, especially in their prac- 

 tical applications. Not that every hand on the farm, or in the 

 shop, need study the calculus, or even algebra. There are 

 thousands of good workmen, who know nothing of either. But, 

 nevertheless, the more even the humblest workmen knows of 

 the mathematical and scientific theory of his work, the more 

 likely he will be to originate improvements in its machinery or 

 processes, and the more likely, also, like others in similar cir- 

 cumstances, to secure for himself, with increasing culture, both 

 an honorable name in his calling, and position and influence 

 among men. 



But, besides the considerations that have been touched upon, 

 showing in general the close interdependence of the arts and 

 sciences, and the importance of scientific knowledge to the 

 success of industry considerations applicable to all times and 

 countries there are others that relate more especially to the 

 circumstances of our own country, and show the growing 

 importance of schools of practical science among us, analogous 



4 



